Commitment – Page 24 – Peninim on the Torah

Sruly Schnair In 5754

“And there came the fugitive and told Avram, the Ivri.” (14:13)

The Radak explains that Avram was called “Ivri,” since he was the descendant of Ever. Presenting an alternative approach, the Midrash contends that he was called Ivri in recognition of his position vis-a-vis the rest of the world. The word “rcg” means “the other side.” This suggests that Avraham was on one side of the moral/spiritual divide, while the rest of the world was on the other side. Although Avraham had many disciples, he remained essentially alone. His beliefs and moral rectitude precluded his integration into the pagan society which reigned at the time. The concept of “being alone” in…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Ha'azinu

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of each generation.” (32:7)

The concept of history encompasses the perception that all events in the human experience are part of one long continuum. The Chumash begins with the story of Brias Ha’olam, creation, since that is the “genesis” of all historical events. Hashem is the G-d of creation and the G-d of history. He is the moral power whose Divine action guides world events. The Jewish “historian” sees Hashem’s Hand reflected in every aspect of history. He sees the continuous revelation of Hashem’s plan spanning the abyss of time. Everything has meaning. No right goes unrewarded, and no wrong goes without its due…

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Sruly Schnair In Nitzavim, 5754

“For the matter is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it.” (30:14)

There is a Midrash on the above pasuk which is particularly relevant at this time of year. Everyone is seeking areas in which to improve. Eliyahu Ha’Navi relates that he was once travelling from region to region, when he came across a man who sneered at him. Eliyahu was taken aback and immediately questioned the individual, “What will you respond to Hashem on the Day of Judgement?” The man quickly responded, “I have a simple answer to give my Father in Heaven. I will tell Him that I was not given sufficient understanding or intelligence to allow me to master…

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Sruly Schnair In Nitzavim, 5754

“You are standing this day all of you before Hashem your G-d, your heads, your tribes, all the men of Yisrael… from the hewer of your wood, unto the drawer of your water.” (29:9,10)

The Torah distinguishes among the various kinds of Jews, noting that the profession of each reflects his station in life. Indeed, the Torah indicates that all members of the Jewish “body” – from the “head” to the “foot” – were assembled on Har Sinai on that auspicious day. The Baal Ha’Tanya mentions that, at times, the “foot” will assume the role of the “head”. Metaphorically, although the head gives guidance to the foot, it is the foot which actually leads and carries the head and the rest of the body from place to place. Consequently, in the spiritual realm, it…

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Sruly Schnair In Re'eh, 5754

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” (11:26)

The Sforno asserts that this pasuk clearly differentiates Klal Yisrael from the other nations. The fate of other nations is not measured in dichotomies. They are not in a position to be either fully prosperous, on the one hand, or totally devastated on the other. Klal Yisrael, in contrast, is different. Being Hashem’s people means that there is no middle road; Bnei Yisrael will either be blessed or cursed! This, states the Sforno, was Moshe’s message to them. “Behold, see and reflect upon your distinctiveness.” These choices are “before you.” The unique fate of Klal Yisrael is inextricably intertwined with…

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Sruly Schnair In Korach, 5754

“And Korach took… and they all rose up in the face of Moshe and Aharon men of renown. And they assembled against Moshe and Aharon and said to them, ‘you take too much upon you… seeing that all the congregation is holy. And Hashem is in their midst, wherefore do you lift yourselves up above the congregation of Hashem?'” (16:1,2,3)

Korach’s criticism of Moshe seemed to be a reaction to Aharon’s assuming the role of Kohen Gadol. Thus, the two main personalities involved in this machlokes, strife, were Korach and Moshe. Korach was the classic scoundrel, evil throughout. An irate man may inflict damage upon an individual person, but others may nonetheless benignly attempt to understand the source of his anger and correct him. What makes a scoundrel such as Korach contemptible is his blatant hypocrisy. He hides his evil behind a sham of piety. He unabashedly claims noble motives for his despicable act. Indeed, he impudently attempts to enlist…

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Sruly Schnair In Tzav, 5754

“And he placed upon him the choshen and he put in the choshen the urim and the tumim.” (8:8)

The urim v’tumim was a parchment upon which was written the Shem Ha’Meforash, Hashem’s Ineffable Name. Only when Moshe placed the choshen on Aharon were the urim v’tumim inserted in the choshen. This procedure seems strange. Would it not have been more convenient to simply place the parchment with the Name into the choshen before the Kohen Gadol put it on? Horav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, derives an important lesson from this process. The choshen symbolizes fairness and integrity in financial dealings, which is why it was called the choshen ha’mishpat, breastplate of justice. This choshen was attached to the ephod,…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Ki Sisa

“And Moshe said Aharon, what did these people do to you that you have brought upon it great sin?” (32:21)

The extent of Aharon’s involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf is ambiguous. Moshe seems to blame him for “causing” the calf to be created. Indeed, before his own death, Moshe recounts how he prayed on Aharon’s behalf to effect forgiveness for him. Moshe’s prayers were only partially answered; Aharon lost two of his four sons. On the other hand, in contrast, we note that Aharon was appointed to the venerable position of Kohen Gadol. He was privileged to enter into the Kodshei Ha’Kodoshim, Holy of Holies in order to attain penance for Klal Yisrael. This notion seems to…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayigash

“And Yosef sustained his father and his brothers… And they brought their cattle unto Yosef, and Yosef gave them bread . . . and he provided them with bread.” (47:12,17)

Rashi understands the word okvbhu to mean “he led (them).” He thus interprets the verse, “Yosef controlled the Egyptians by means of the bread which he gave them.” This contrasts to the word okfkfhu, “he sustained (them),” which is emphasized regarding Yosef’s brothers. Horav Z. Sorotzkin z.t.l. explains the contrasting choice of words. While okfkfhu means simply “to sustain,” okvbhu also means “to manage” or “to provide.” The Jew will not allow himself to be sold in exchange for bread. His commitment to Torah and Yidishkeit is resolute. Only Eisav was prepared to sell his birthright and his soul for…

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ראה אנכי נתן לפניכם היום ברכה וקללה

Moshe Marcovich In Re'eh, 5778

See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse. (11:26)

Hayom, today. Does the word “today” hold significance? Is the choice of blessing or curse applicable only today? What about tomorrow? Will we still have the opportunity for choice? I was thinking about this question when I came across an article by a respected rabbinic author in which he explained why he was not celebrating his birthday. He attributes this to the fact that, upon perusing the Torah, one notes that the only birthday we read about is that of Pharaoh. When we think about it, the only day that we Jews seem to deem worthy of celebration is the…

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“And there came the fugitive and told Avram, the Ivri.” (14:13)

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of each generation.” (32:7)

“For the matter is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart that you may do it.” (30:14)

“You are standing this day all of you before Hashem your G-d, your heads, your tribes, all the men of Yisrael… from the hewer of your wood, unto the drawer of your water.” (29:9,10)

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” (11:26)

“And he placed upon him the choshen and he put in the choshen the urim and the tumim.” (8:8)

“And Moshe said Aharon, what did these people do to you that you have brought upon it great sin?” (32:21)

“And Yosef sustained his father and his brothers… And they brought their cattle unto Yosef, and Yosef gave them bread . . . and he provided them with bread.” (47:12,17)

ראה אנכי נתן לפניכם היום ברכה וקללה

See, I present before you today a blessing and a curse. (11:26)

YEARS

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